Science Center Presents The Big Top for Big Kids

Saturday, September 11, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Orlando, FL - September 6, 2010 - It’s some serious circus fun for the young at heart during Cocktails & Cosmos at the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, September 11. From 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., this event will feature live entertainment and the premiere of Forces of Nature on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome. Indulge in Downtown Orlando’s most scientifically unique and socially inclined experience with Happy Hour food and drink specials, followed by an evening of music, art, and film.

The circus comes to Science Park as performers better known for big top antics than science demonstrations overtake the Center’s most popular exhibit. Meet Corey Alexander, a stilt walking- balloon artist, who keeps his audience smiling as he twists balloons into crazy and colorful creations ten feet off the ground. Be amazed by the mind-boggling mystery of Joshua Stenkamp as he returns to Cocktails & Cosmos with his special blend of magic and mentalism. Then enjoy some scrumptious cotton candy by the Candy Clouds Cotton Candy Company of Winter Park. Cloud spinners will be designing custom treats for guests and don’t worry; these clouds are low carb, low calorie, fat free, and guaranteed to induce instant nostalgia!

From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., guests can enjoy Happy Hour drink specials with full service cash bars and light hors d’oeuvres provided by Ember and Tuxedo Catering. Cash bars will continue serving throughout the evening while guests enjoy the distinctive sounds and music of DJ Nigel John. His sound is best described as a mix of abstract instrumental tracks, dark groove and muzak. Following Happy Hour, guests can experience the premiere of Forces of Nature at 7:00 p.m.

The film will screen again at 9 p.m. and it will deliver the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes and tornadoes. The ground shakes, mountains explode, the sky turns black and violent as viewers experience our planet's fiercest powers. The film, by National Geographic in partnership with Graphic Films, captures inspiring and terrifying atmospheric and geological events, then takes audiences behind the disasters with scientists willing to risk their own lives to understand these forces and increase our odds of surviving these events.

Also during the event, guests will also be treated to the unique artistic vision of Painter Veronika Tuskowski. Her influences are Alex Grey, and Dale Chihuly. She loves colors, surrealism, energy, and is fascinated by the subconscious mind because it helps you develop personal growth. In between film screenings, check out the comedic stylings of the Droll Academy. They are a two-man improv variety show starring Adam Scharf and Dan Collins. Directed by Richard Regan Paul, Droll Academy features honest and witty scene work intermingled with spontaneous music and fun characters.

Throughout the evening, guests can venture to the top of the Science Center for stargazing in the Crosby Observatory through the largest publicly accessible refractor telescope in the state. Tickets to the event are $13 and will include all the event’s activities, including admission to the premiere screenings, comedy show, and access to exhibits and the observatory. Admission is free for Science Center members.

For parents looking for that special “date night,” the Science Center also provides an excellent childcare program that includes dinner and an array of fun activities for the little ones. Drop off the kids when you arrive at the event and pick them up when you leave. Cost is $25 for the first child and $20 for siblings. For more info on evening childcare, please call 407.514.2112. For more info on Cocktails & Cosmos, please call 407.514.2000.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER, A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH2342), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.